INTRODUCTORY ZOOLOGY VOCABULARY

Zoology Vocabulary Zoology

Study of Animals

Entomology Study of insects

Herpetology A branch of zoology

dealing with reptiles and amphibians

Zoology Vocabulary Ichthyology

Study of fishes

Ornithology Study of birds

Taxonomy Naming and classifying

organisms

Zoology Vocabulary Species

Group of organisms that can breed…produce offspring that are fertile Are mules considered a

breed?

Kingdom BIGGEST group in taxonomy

Phylum 1 step below (more specific)

kingdom in taxonomy

Zoology Vocabulary Structure (body structure)

Parts of the body

Trait A distinguishing quality An inherited characteristic

Heredity Passing of traits from parents to

offspring

Evolution A change over time; a process by which

modern organisms have descended from ancient organisms.

Zoology Vocabulary Natural selection

Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully.

Adaptation Inherited characteristic (or trait) that

increases an organism’s chance of survival.

Harriet was long reputed to have been one of three tortoises taken from the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin on his historic 1835 voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. She was 175 years old (Died 2006)

Zoology Vocabulary Prokaryote

Single celled organism lacking a true nucleus

Eukaryotic A cell that has membranous

organelles and a nucleus Organic compound

Carbon based compounds which are the basis of life (cells). EX: Carbohydrates, Proteins,

Lipids, DNA

Zoology Vocabulary Photosynthesis

Process plants use to make energy from sunlight.

Autotroph An organism that can

make its own food; a producer.

Ex: Plant Heterotroph

An organism that cannot make its own food; a consumer.

Zoology Vocabulary Cellular respiration

How cells make energy from food

Metabolism All the chemical

processes in an organism release energy

Nutrient Furnishing nourishment

Zoology Vocabulary Carbohydrates

Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen; energy source

EX: sugars (glucose) Proteins

Nitrogen-containing organic compounds composed of amino acids

EX: Hair Enzyme

A protein needed to speed up/start chemical reactions.

EX: Lactase

Zoology Vocabulary Hormone

A protein that controls reactions made in one part of the body but used in another part of the body.

EX: Insulin Homeostasis

An organisms ability to maintain stability during on environmental change.

EX: Hot and cold climate conditions

Zoology Vocabulary Plankton

Organisms that drift; they don’t swim strong! Two types:

1. Phytoplankton Plant plankton; forms the

base of aquatic food chains. EX: Diatoms

2. Zooplankton Animal plankton EX: krill and larval forms of

crustaceans

Zoology Vocabulary Population

A group of similar organisms in a given area.

Community All the populations in

an area. Ecosystem

All the communities and their environment in an area.